From time to time, a pedal comes along that offers something special in a deceptively simple package. Due to the unassuming nature of these devices, the market sometimes overlooks them, ultimately leading to the pedals’ premature demise. In some instances, however, these pedals develop enough posthumous interest and respect to deserve a second look.
The Bellows Fuzz Driver from EarthQuaker Devices is one of those pedals—which is why today, seven years after the end of its original run, the tonal blacksmiths at EarthQuaker Devices have announced a special “Legacy Reissue” of Bellows, limited to only 1,000 units worldwide.
Upon its initial release at Winter NAMM 2016, Bellows was described as a back-to-basics, transistor-based dirt device that wasn’t modeled after anything in particular, beautifully straddling the line between amp-like grit and fuzzy saturation.
In an era when dirt pedals were becoming increasingly complex with multi-band EQs, clipping toggles, and internal dip switches, Bellows took a straightforward approach. Featuring just two knobs—Level and Drive—it offered plug-and-play immediacy that was highly responsive to the player’s volume knob and picking dynamics.
Since it was discontinued in 2019, Bellows has developed something of an underground following, not only among guitarists, but with bassists too. This is largely because the circuit leaves the full frequency response of the input signal entirely intact, eliminating the low-end scoop bassists commonly experience with fuzz circuits.
“I really wanted to have something simple in our line that had that blown out tweed edge but still had clarity and sustain and could also get into heavily saturated fuzz territory and the Bellows filled that void perfectly,” EarthQuaker Devices Founder & President Jamie Stillman said. “While I initially developed it for guitar, I feel like it really excels on bass. It retains the big bottom end and biting crunchy top end without overly accentuating or scooping the mids.”
The limited-edition Bellows features the same circuit as the original and captures virtually the entire history of rock and roll in one fun-sized enclosure.
The pedal’s Drive control is imbued with heaps of character. Similar to the volume control of a “non-master-volume” amp, the Drive determines how hard the signal hits the input. When set to lower levels, it offers an overdrive that is a little wider and grittier. When dimed, players are treated to full-on, fuzzed-out bliss. Between the two extremes exists a vibrant range of rich, saturated tones just waiting to be exploited.
Designed for guitarists, beloved by bassists, Bellows is an invaluable tool to have on hand for adding grit and grime to just about anything. Because it preserves the full frequency range of the original input signal, it’s ideal for organ, electric piano, synth, drums, vocals, harp, mouth harp—you name it!
The Bellows Legacy Reissue Limited Edition Fuzz Driver is limited to 1,000 units worldwide and is available now. The pedals are available to the US market exclusively through Sweetwater, and to the Canadian market through Long & McQuade. Customers outside of the US and Canada should check with their nearest authorized EarthQuaker Devices dealer for pricing and availability.
Each and every Bellows is made by a group of best friends and a robot with the most beautiful eyes you’ve ever seen in the City of Invention a.k.a. Akron, Ohio, USA.
Features:
- Level Control
- Drive Control
- True Bypass Switching
- Lifetime Warranty
- Input Impedance: 250 kΩ
- Output Impedance: <1 kΩ
- Current Draw: 13 mA
- USA MAP Price: $129
